About When to Get a Second Opinion Why Choose Us? What's Included FAQs

Cancer Second Opinions

Receiving a cancer diagnosis can be a confusing and overwhelming experience.

Whether you are a patient or a loved one supporting someone through a diagnosis, this page is for you.

Getting a second opinion can give you peace of mind and a comprehensive review of all your care options. In some cases, an evaluation from another physician can reveal additional treatment possibilities, including clinical trials, or even a different diagnosis.

When to Get a Second Opinion

A second opinion can be worthwhile at any point in your cancer journey, but the best time is immediately after diagnosis, before starting treatment. An early consultation gives you the most options and the most time to make an informed decision. A second opinion is also valuable in the following situations:

Newly Diagnosed You're newly diagnosed and would like a physician with expertise in your cancer type to weigh in on your current care plan.
Rare or Unusual Cancers You've been diagnosed with a rare or unusual cancer, or a cancer that is challenging to diagnose, grade or stage correctly.
Evaluating New or Alternative Treatment Options Your current treatment isn't working as hoped, or you want to explore additional or emerging options.
Advanced Cancer You have recurrent or metastatic cancer.
Review of Recommended Treatment Plan You're considering a surgery, procedure or treatment that carries a higher degree of risk than you may be comfortable with.
Patient Education You'd like to become more involved and educated about your disease and treatment choices
Research Opportunities You'd like to explore opportunities to participate in clinical trials.

Why Get a Second Opinion at UC San Diego Health?

UC San Diego Health is ranked #44 in the nation for cancer care by U.S. News & World Report. We are also the region's only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center. A second opinion with one of our cancer specialists is an opportunity to get input from a true cancer expert — so you feel more confident and comfortable with your next steps.

As part of an academic medical center, we can offer cancer therapies that are often available only through participation in clinical trials. All of our physicians work as part of multidisciplinary teams that include surgeons, medical oncologists and radiation oncologists who are experts in specific cancers.

Call 858-822-6100 for more information or to set up an appointment for a second opinion. We can help you select the right physician and give you instructions for sending or requesting your medical records, including scans and diagnostic results.

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What's Included in a Second Opinion Consultation

Depending on your cancer type and the type of consultation you schedule, you may benefit from:

Consultation with a physician team with expertise in your cancer diagnosis
Multidisciplinary tumor board review: Complex and borderline cases are reviewed by a team of surgical oncologists, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists, and pathologists and radiologists who collaborate in a dedicated tumor board — ensuring no option is overlooked.
Pathology review: Our expert pathologists independently review your biopsy and diagnostic materials. Studies show that approximately 25% of patients at major cancer centers see a change in their pathology-based diagnosis after an independent review — making this a potentially life-changing step.
Radiology review: A radiologist who specializes in your cancer type reviews your medical images (such as CT, MRI or PET scans) to double-check the exact cancer diagnosis, size and stage. This helps ensures that your treatment plan is the best one for you.
Identifying opportunities for clinical trials and precision therapy: A second opinion at an NCI-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center frequently includes checking for clinical trial eligibility, biomarker-driven therapy options, and emerging protocols unavailable at most other institutions. Our team reviews your molecular and genomic profiling data to connect you with precision therapies and trials matched to your tumor's profile.

Outcome Data That Matters

For patients who have a second-opinion consult, research shows:

One in three receives a change in treatment recommendations
One in five is recommended less surgery
One in 10 is found to need no treatment at al

Types of Visits

In-Person Consults

Meet with an oncology specialist with expertise in your particular cancer type to comprehensively review your health history and discuss treatment options. Most insurance plans cover second opinions for cancer treatment.

Video Visits

Depending on your diagnosis and your geographic location, you may be able to receive a second opinion without leaving home. Please ask us for more information about coverage and cost, including our flat-fee cash-pay option, when you schedule.

How to Schedule and What to Expect

Initial response: You should receive an initial reponse and begin the scheduling process with 24-48 hours.
Send your records: We'll ask you to gather your pathology reports, imaging scans (CDs or digital files), your current oncologist's name and contact information, and your insurance card. We'll help guide you through the process.
Meet with a specialist: Meet with a cancer specialist in person or in a video visit. Most patients are seen within seven to 10 days of submitting their records.
Receive your personalized car plan: You'll receive a clear summary of your second-opinion findings, treatment recommendations and next steps — which you can share with your current care team. Most patients will receive this within five business days of their consulation, although cases with extensive prior treatments or records from several institutions may require additional time.

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